Does Working as a Mover Help Build Strength?

Hi everyone, I am new here and I recently started working out and I also work with a moving company, and some days we have to carry heavy boxes and furniture for many hours. After work I sometimes feel like I already did a full workout. I still go to the gym, but on busy moving days my body gets tired very fast. Does this type of physical work actually help build strength, or is gym training completely different? Anyone here doing a physical job and still working out regularly?

 

Welcome to the forum! It sounds as though your job is already giving you quite a workout.

Carrying boxes and furniture can certainly improve your general strength, grip and fitness, particularly when you’re new to the work. The main difference is that gym training is more controlled and progressive, whereas moving involves unpredictable loads, awkward positions and long periods of effort.

I’d be careful about trying to complete a demanding gym session after a particularly busy day. Your body doesn’t distinguish between fatigue from work and fatigue from training, so recovery is important. On heavier workdays, you could reduce the weights or volume, focus on a different muscle group, or simply take a rest day.

It would be interesting to hear what sort of gym routine you’re currently following and what your main goals are.